Health Officials Offer Warnings and Tips and Heat Settles In

Residents are being reminded to slow down and drink plenty of water as a heat wave settles in.

The Hamilton Board of Health issued an advisory on Wednesday about the dangers of heat as the National Weather Service has issued an “excessive heat watch” and “heat advisory” for Thursday and Friday afternoons. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s both days.

The alert extends from northern Connecticut and Rhode Island to southern New Hampshire and includes all of Massachusetts except for parts of the Berkshires, Cape Cod and the Islands.

While actual temperatures are expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees during the alert, with the heat index it will make it feel as though the temperature is actually 105 degrees. The heat will be particularly intense from noon to 8 p.m.

The Board of Health said that heat kills more people each year than any other weather phenomenon.

“Heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined,” the Board of Health said.

The first signs of heat cramps are painful spasms in the legs and abdomen. Heat Exhaustion is setting in if you begin experiencing heavy sweating, weakness, plus cold, pale and clammy skin. Fainting and vomiting are also signs of heat exhaustion.

Below are some quick tips for the heat. Check the attached PDF for a complete list of heat tips and heat cautions.

• Slow down. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, which may not necessarily be indoors.
• Cool down by taking a cool shower or going for a swim.
• Dress for summer with lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Avoid foods such as meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production.
• Drink plenty of water - even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit the amount of caffeinated beverages you drink.
• Spend time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
• Avoid direct sun, especially in the middle of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if you have to work in the heat.